— The Vanuatu Future Fund has formally commenced works at a new Bypass and Commercial Business District (CBD) development site following an official groundbreaking ceremony attended by senior government leaders, customary landowners, and representatives from the business and diplomatic community.
The event took place at the Bellevue–Switi site, where the Future Fund is supporting a major infrastructure development that includes a new bypass road and a planned commercial and government precinct. The overall development forms part of a long-term investment program valued at more than VT31.5 billion over the next seven years.
Guests arrived at the site via the proposed bypass route before gathering for the ceremony, which included customary welcomes, the presentation of salu-salu and shell strings, and formal proceedings led by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Sani Sokomanu of Mele. An opening prayer was delivered by local Pastor David Johnathon.
Future Fund Managing Director John Tonner addressed the gathering and provided an overview of the wider Future Fund Project, outlining a development framework built around six pillars of economic stimulation. These include social development, green energy, and value-added investment across infrastructure, agriculture, and supply chains. The CBD and bypass project sits within this framework as a core infrastructure component.
The planned CBD development includes a dedicated government precinct with multi-ministry conference and meeting facilities, along with commercial, residential, and community spaces such as cafés, restaurants, shopping areas, schools, and mixed-use allotments. Roads within the CBD are planned to be constructed in concrete to support high traffic volumes and long-term use requirements.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat attended the ceremony together with Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo and ministers responsible for Infrastructure, Internal Affairs, Lands, Agriculture, Health, and Climate Change. Four Members of Parliament were also present, along with representatives of Ifira chiefs and customary landowners, officials from the Australian High Commission, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local business leaders, community members, and local media.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister acknowledged the role of the Future Fund in supporting infrastructure investment aligned with national development planning, including efforts aimed at easing traffic congestion in Port Vila and strengthening long-term economic infrastructure.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Public Utilities detailed the strategic importance of the Bellevue–Switi bypass, confirming that the project follows extended dialogue between the government and the Future Fund and forms part of a broader plan to expand and modernize transport networks in the capital.
Representatives of the Ifira customary landowners confirmed their support for the development and acknowledged ongoing consultation throughout the planning and approval process. During their remarks, landowner representatives referenced plans to expand the Ifira investment portfolio to include equity participation in the Future Fund’s multi-sector initiatives and noted the importance of supporting local business leaders involved in national economic development, including John Tonner and Daniel Agius.
Daniel Agius, Managing Director of VIMB Services Limited, attended the ceremony alongside Future Fund management. VIMB Services Limited is a government-appointed designated agent involved in supporting the structuring and administration of approved investment pathways associated with Future Fund development projects.
Following the formal addresses, the Prime Minister, government ministers, and Future Fund representatives participated in the ceremonial breaking of the ground to mark the commencement of works on the Bellevue–Switi bypass road. The bypass is intended to reduce congestion between key areas of Port Vila and improve transport efficiency once completed.
The ceremony concluded with customary presentations to landowners and a dedication prayer.
About Vanuatu Future Fund
The Vanuatu Future Fund is a multi-sector investment vehicle focused on supporting national development through infrastructure, energy, agriculture, social development, and value-added industries. Working in coordination with public and private stakeholders, the Fund invests in projects aimed at strengthening economic capacity, improving infrastructure, and supporting long-term development outcomes across Vanuatu.
Contact Info:
Name: Sonia George
Email: Send Email
Organization: Vanuatu Future Fund
Website: https://futurefund.vu/
Release ID: 89182694
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